Personal Advice for Expats and Returning New Zealanders
Tēnā koutou!
Post-COVID-19, the floodgates have opened for returning New Zealanders and others seeking our safe haven. Thanks to our excellent record managing the pandemic, our economy is thriving. In fact, New Zealand has recently expedited a number of visa categories to meet our high employment demand. We are expecting over 100,000 net migration to New Zealand in 2023.
As a result, I have been called to assist more expats in the complex process of preparing to secure a home upon arrival in New Zealand. Financial advice and homebuyer coaching are included in my service to local mortgage clients. However, many buyers who are early in their planning or who may not need financing are left to fend for themselves in an increasingly complex time. In response, I am offering 'advice only' as a separate service if you need a bit more assistance to navigate the new turf, or if you are overseas now, to help you make that transition with confidence.
As a dual USA/NZ citizen since 1996, I have moved continents a few times myself and am very familiar with the complex issues new residents face. As a Financial Adviser, I am in a unique position to offer custom coaching toward your effort to find and buy a home. I provide impartial advice and perspectives from the initial goal-setting process to your settlement. I do not accept referral fees from any of my trusted local experts (valuers, agents, lawyers, inspectors, etc.) so you can be assured that we are all working in your best interest. I will be your person on the ground to assist in negotiations, assessment, and prospective property reviews both before and after you arrive. I am not a legal counsel or sales agent and will only provide my professional expertise during the process of purchasing a home for your specific needs. I can refer great professionals to assist you and will proactively liaise with your solicitor and other agents to bring your voice to the table.
My expertise as a banker and mortgage adviser spans 18 years in the USA and New Zealand. In the USA, I was a certified Veteran/Military, Senior, First Buyer, Native American, and Construction specialist lender, with in-depth knowledge of hundreds of loan programs and banks. Fortunately, things are simpler in New Zealand. However, there are many potential pitfalls that a less experienced buyer may face.
Advice First is an offer of unbiased expertise at your service and customised to your needs. We can begin work on your behalf before you even land. In fact, many of our expat clients get in touch year or more out in their planning process. I'd love to offer you the help you most need on your journey to New Zealand.
FREE OFFER: Email or call on +64 9 445 0400 for a half-hour Facetime, or Zoom. Take this opportunity to discuss your situation and see if we are a good fit. I am happy to share resources on legal, real estate and other needs to get you going in the right direction.
Ngā mihi nui,
Susan Templeton Personal Mortgage Adviser and Homebuyer Coach
Please note New Zealand Time is UTC +13 hours, so I may not answer if you call outside my on-call hours. (7am - 10pm NZST)
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